HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2017 Item 8, apRobertsCOUNCIL MEETING:? :, � � _ RECEIVED
ITEM NO.: I - FEB 2 2 2017
SLO CITY CLERK
From: Kathy apRoberts
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 8:05 AM
To: E-mail Council Website «mailcoundl@slocity,org>
Cc: Hill, Robert <rhill@slocity.org>; Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org>
Subject: 2/21 City Council Meeting
Dear Mayor Harmon and Council Members,
I addressed you last night on behalf of the natural inhabitants of all our designated Open
Spaces. They have no voice, and as a community we have committed to protect and preserve their
habitats. (COSE 2oo6). All land use decisions are governed by the General Plan and must be
consistent with the Plan's direction.
NATURAL COMMUNITIES (COSE 2006)
As urban uses expand into open space, the natural cycles and interrelationships upon which natural
communities depend are altered. This results in the disturbance, displacement, loss of habitat or mobility and
the loss of animal or plant populations. For example, each species requires a specific range of environmental
conditions to survive and reproduce. Areas within this range constitute the species' niche or more generally,
habitat. Animals move within and through habitat areas to find water, food, shelter, and to reproduce. Such
movements have evolved over time to fit animals' needs within the natural landscape. Urban development and
linear barriers such as major roadways change the landscape too quickly for many animals to adapt, thus
interrupting and blocking such movement. As a result, wildlife populations are separated from their historic
habitat and from other breeding populations of the some species. The result: a gradual reduction in the numbers
and diversity of wildlife. As a steward far the natural resources of future -generations, the City must preserve
habitat and the species that it supports.
I am so disappointed that four of you are in support of considering night hiking. It appears that you
are only listening to "the loudest voices in the room", who are not content to enjoy our Open Spaces
during current established hours. While your motion excluded Bishop Peak Natural Preserve, you are
opening up all other open spaces for consideration of night hiking. This is absolutely not
unacceptable.
Kathy apRoberts